The family of an Eaton fire victim is suing Southern California Edison for wrongful death, alleging that the utility company’s negligence is to blame for the devastating blaze that killed 59-year-old Evelyn McClendon.
The lawsuit alleges that Edison failed to turn off utilities despite clear warning about extremely dangerous fire conditions , leading to catastrophic consequences . The Eaton fire has killed at least 16 people and damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 structures.
Its cause remains under investigation. Many have been quick to point blame at Edison, however, following video evidence that appears to show the fire starting under one of the utility’s transmission towers in Eaton Canyon on Jan. 7…